Flu Vaccine Clinics at Richland Public Health, October 18 and 25

Richland Public Health recommends everyone age 6 months and older get an influenza (flu) vaccine. This recommendation follows Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

The Health Department will hold two flu vaccine clinics for Richland County residents:

October 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Both clinics are walk-in (no appointment needed) and will take place at Richland Public Health, 555 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield, in the Corley Room (lower level, rear parking lot).

Richland Public Health pricing for flu vaccine is $36 if paying by cash or check. Prices may vary for adults age 65 and over who will receive a high dose flu vaccine. Richland Public Health accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareSource, Humana, Medicare/Medicaid, Medical Mutual, Molina, Paramount, and United Healthcare. There are no copays when using these insurances for billing. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID.

Richland Public Health flu vaccines will also be available by appointment and walk-in at the Public Health Clinic. Call 419-774-4700 to make an appointment. Richland Public Health Neighborhood Immunization Clinics will also provide flu vaccines for children 6-months through 18-years-old beginning in October. Call 419-774-8115 for dates, times, and locations.

For additional information about influenza visit our website www.richlandhealth.org, call our FLU Hotline at 419-774-4553, or talk with your pediatrician or family physician. For special home-bound services, call 419-774-4540.

Influenza is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Anyone can get the flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose.

Flu is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.

"Nobody likes to be sick. Getting the flu will cause you to miss work or school, along with your favorite activities," Amy Schmidt, Director of Nursing at Richland Public Health, said. "You might also pass the flu on to your family, friends, or co-workers. Protect yourself and others. Get your flu shot."

What are the benefits of flu vaccination?

There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year. Below is a summary of the benefits of flu vaccination, and selected scientific studies that support these benefits.

Vaccination reduces the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by up to one-half.

Getting vaccinated can also protect a baby after birth from flu. (Mom passes antibodies onto the developing baby during her pregnancy.)

A number of studies have shown that in addition to helping to protect pregnant women, a flu vaccine given during pregnancy helps protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth, when he or she is not old enough to be vaccinated.

Flu vaccine can be life-saving in children.

A 2017 study was the first of its kind to show that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child's risk of dying from influenza.

Flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

A 2018 study showed that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients were 59 percent less likely to be admitted to the ICU than those who had not been vaccinated. Among adults in the ICU with flu, vaccinated patients on average spent 4 fewer days in the hospital than those who were not vaccinated.

Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.